How to Efile a TY2022 income tax return for deceased person with TurboTax?

Fill in information as you normally would if you file an individual 1040 return but show the date she died. Turbo Tax will fill in that information at the top of the form. You will sign for her and put your name and phone number.

I hope this answers your question.

Please see this TurboTax tips article and this help article for more details regarding filing a return for a deceased person. In the Personal info section of TurboTax, a question appears asking if the person for whom the return is being filed has died.

Upon the death of a taxpayer, a new taxpaying entity—the taxpayer's estate—is born to make sure no taxable income falls through the cracks. Generally, income is taxed either:

• on the taxpayer's final return,
• on the return of the beneficiary who acquires the right to receive the income, or
• on the estate's or a trust's income tax return, if the estate or trust receives $600 or more of income.

The filing of the deceased taxpayer's final return usually falls to the executor or administrator of the estate, but if neither is named,  then the task needs to be taken over by a survivor of the deceased. The final return is filed on the same form that would have been used if the taxpayer were still alive, but "Deceased:" is written at the top of the return followed by the person's name and the date of death. The deadline to file a final return is the tax filing deadline of the year following the taxpayer's death.

I am sorry for your loss.

[Edited 03/03/23| 4:29pm PST] (edited)

@TurboLover2

Thank you for your response and condolences.  Appreciate it.

Where do you enter the date she died so that TT puts it on top of the form?  Does TT ask for it or have a place to enter it somewhere?

Also where do I enter my name and phone number so that TT puts it in the right place?  If I eFile I don't physically sign so how can all that information be entered to make sure it is there and in the right place when it is eFiled?

I have TT Deluxe for 2022.

First, I'm sorry for your loss.

As far as filing Federal tax returns are concerned, this all depends upon which state you are living in.  We need to first qualify you as Legal Executor.  If you have already done this, and you are qualified by her Will and state statute, you needn't concern yourself with Probate Court proceedings.  If your mom had no lawful spouse upon her passing, you could certainly proceed on your own without State intervention.  If the estate is substantial or complex by your measure, you may consider representation unless there are no other beneficiaries or simply if you do not wish to take this task upon yourself.  You shall file her return as normal and not denote as this would be her last filing.  As long as she was living through 11:59pm in your time zone on 12-31-22, she (you forward) would file as usual.  When you file her 2023 return, which you can do at the beginning of next year (2024), you will file 2023 as the last return.

If you are indeed your mom's executor and am also a survivor with inheritance potential, please be extra careful with your records such that another surviving beneficiary cannot challenge your actions.  This is where Probate Court protections become beneficial.  I wish you the best.

Thank you also MonikaK1.

Yes, I have seen what you posted.  But it still leaves me with a lot of questions.  Almost everything I read about filing a return for a deceased person including this is about a "final return."  But since this is not a final return, the answer may be different.

But thank you for posting this anyway.  I will review it again to see if it can help.

You will not file 2022 as your mother's final return.  File as normal.  Her 2023 return shall be her final return as long as she has qualifying income for 2023 as responder MonikaK1 respectfully defined as $600 or more.  Hope this helps.

My mother passed just days ago.  I don't think I am legal executor in New York where we are until a court says that I am.  So I don't think I can sign as executor even though the will names me until there is a court proceeding.

Sounds like I will have no choice but to immediately get an attorney... something I was hoping I could put off for at least a while and file the TY2022 tax returns first.

Thank you SEACFO.

You wrote: "You will not file 2022 as your mother's final return.  File as normal. "

Yes, I can file as normal.  But who signs the return and how?  That is my only problem.  Filling out the return is straightforward.  But don't know how to sign it.

If you are unsure that you possess the legal rights to represent the estate of your mom, please do not move forward.  This advice is for your own sake.  If your mom resided and passed in a different state than you reside especially.  Do not feel you are in a hurry to close the estate.  I've processed estates years after the passing of the individuals.  Follow the law of the state SHE resided within.  An attorney may assist with this determination if you have any concerns.

Thank you SEACFO.

Yes, I would never sign a tax form unless I was sure I had the proper authority to do so.

My mother passed in the same state we both live in.  New York.  So that is not an issue.

I may try to give the IRS and NY income tax authorities a call as a last resort to get an answer to this, but I understand that even if you can reach them they often give you the wrong answer anyway.

Doesn't look like TurboTax will be able to handle it this year because of this signing problem.

Doesn't look like TurboTax will be able to handle it this year.

I am afraid I will have to get an attorney now because there is no clear answer here.  I am not in a rush to settle the estate, I expect that to take years.  But the 2022 taxes can't wait so I will have to get an answer now.

The Deluxe version allows for filing of multiple returns.   This is true ONLY if you have the Desktop version whereas you can file for up to 5 individuals.  BEFORE you do this (act upon their behalf), please confirm you possess the right to do so under State law.

Yes, I have the desktop edition.  I have been filing multiple returns every year using that.

I know I have the authority to file for my deceased mother if I am appointed executor by the court in NY.  What I don't know is if there is any way I can do it without being appointed by the court.

I am appointed executor in my mother's will so I know the court will make it official.  But I don't know if there is any way I can file the return for her without that court appointment first.  And I can't stand the thought of having to rush into getting that done when she is gone just a few days.  But looks like I have no choice.

Once you determine you have the right to represent the estate, you can file an extension for the estate.  This will buy you needed time to begin the process of settlement. 

Type 'extend' in the Search area, then 'Jump to extend' to prepare an Extension of Time to File (Form 4868).  

Here's more details on How to File an Extension in TurboTax Desktop. 

Sorry for your loss.

@TurboLover2 

"Once you determine you have the right to represent the estate, you can file an extension for the estate.  This will buy you needed time to begin the process of settlement."

Two problems with this.

Problem #1

What happens if there isn't enough time to secure the right to represent the estate before the tax filing deadline.  If I can't even file an extension without having a court proceeding to appoint me executor, and I can't secure that authority before 4/18/23 then the filing will be late and there is nothing I can do about it.

Problem #2

If I get the authority to represent the estate before 4/18, then I don't need to file an extension, I can file the tax return instead.  I can easily complete the return by then.  But I think it is unlikely that I can be appointed executor by the court by then.  That process is extremely slow.

Note that completing this income tax return and distributing the assets of the estate are two different things.  Right now filing my mother's 2022 taxes is the most urgent matter.

There has to be an answer to this.  What happens if my mother had died one day before the return is due?  Obviously I wouldn't be able to get a court action in time even if I was cold enough to care about that the day my mother died.

Thank you MarilynG1 but the issue is not about how to file an extension, I know how to do that.  The issue is that I don't know if I have the legal authority to file it or if I can obtain that authority in time to file it.

Yes, since you are named as both the trustee and the executor in her will, you can act as the personal representative, even though you have not yet been court appointed.

The IRS defines a personal representative as,  "an executor, administrator, or anyone who is in charge of the decedent's property." 

A personal representative can file the decedent's tax return, pay tax due or receive a refund on behalf of the estate. 

In the section titled, Your personal info look for the question, "I'm preparing this return for a Taxpayer, who has passed away." Once you answer that Yes, you will be asked for the date.

After that, continue with the return in the regular way, entering income, deductions, etc.

If Form 1310 is required, you will be prompted to answer a few questions about that near the end of the interview. Form 1310 is used to provide information about your right to claim a refund on behalf of the decedent. 

Click here to learn more about being a personal representative.

 I am very sorry for your loss. Don't hesitate to reach out again if you have more questions.

Thank you JulieS.  Your answer was encouraging and helpful.  It was particularly helpful in describing exactly where to find the place to let TT know you are filing for someone else who is deceased.  I am not yet sure whether I will file with TT electronically, on paper, or not at all and let my CPA prepare the return to give to me, but if I go with TT, this will be helpful.

Of course I will also have to find out whether New York gives me the same authority to file for my mother as the IRS does.  Have no clue what they require for the state tax return.

I plan to have a talk with both a CPA and an attorney I use for the trusts before filing these returns to discuss this and other matters.  What I do will likely be based on their advice and I am hoping it agrees with your interpretation of what the IRS wrote in the link you provided.  It seems like it would be a relatively easy solution if I don't have to rush to try to squeeze in a court procedure with so little time left.  Like losing your mother and having to go through tax filing season at the same time isn't enough to trigger a heart attack without having to throw lawyers and courts into the mix.

Thanks again to you and all who replied.  Appreciate it.

JulieS

Thank you again for this information.  It was exactly correct.  I found the place in TT to do this.

But I have a concern.  Now that I have specified that the return is for someone who is deceased, am I going to be able to eFile it normally through TT or when I try to do that is it going to not let me eFile it and will TT say that I have to file it on paper?

If you don't know for sure, please say so and don't guess so I can try to find an answer elsewhere.  Thanks again!

I think someone would have to have actual experience doing this to know the answer... or maybe work for TT and be familiar with this specific situation.

And that brings up another question.  Is there any way to actually ask a TT employee this question?

No, you will need to mail in the return for your deceased parent, since a signed Form 1310 will be included. 

Click this link for more info on Filing Form 1310.

@TurboLover2

Thank you for your reply MarilynG1.

However I do not expect to file Form 1310 since no refund is expected.  I expect that additional taxes will be owed for both federal and NY State when the returns are completed.

If there is no Form 1310 filed and no refund due, does that mean that both the Federal and NY State tax forms can be Efiled normally with TurboTax?

Yes, the IRS will allow tax returns for deceased taxpayers (decedent returns) to be e-filed.

Before you e-file the return, notify the Social Security Administration about the taxpayer's death.  To inform the Social Security Administration, visit their website or call 1-800-772-1213.  

Many states also allow decedent tax returns to be e-filed.  TurboTax will inform you when you get ready to e-file the state return.

@TurboLover2 

Just FYI, anybody can file an extension for any reason for anybody since it's an unsigned form. You can get the 4868 right off the IRS website along with the instructions and as you will see at no point does anyone have to sign the form.

However if you expect to have a balance due on the 1040 when it is eventually filed an estimated payment should be sent with the form 4868 and filed by April 18th 2023.

Fyi, you will probably be able to efile the 2022 return for the decedent however you'll have to mail in the 2023 final return.